Police chiefs say they plan a low-key approach to any protests at the forthcoming England-Zimbabwe Test match.

Human rights groups led by Peter Tatchell have stated their intention to attend the game, which starts at Chester-le-Street's Riverside ground a week on Thursday, to protests against the tour and to draw attention to human rights issues in Zimbabwe.

Play in the First Test at Lord's on Thursday was interrupted twice by pitch invaders who unfurled banners aimed at Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. A 50-strong demonstration also took place outside the ground.

Police officers from Durham travelled to London on Wednesday evening on a fact-finding trip to see the extent of the demonstrations and to talk to officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Insp Dave Marshall said: "Our primary responsibility is to ensure spectators can come to the Test match in Chester-le-Street in safety.

"Officials from Durham City County Cricket Club are talking to the organisers of the protests on a regular basis and we are confident we will be able to respond to whatever might be planned for the game.

"Although there will be a police presence inside the stadium this is perfectly normal for a major sporting event.

" Our approach will be low-key and we will only intervene if an offence is committed."